The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Ira G. Beddoe (ASN: 20816422), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 20 February 1945. During an attack on formidable enemy emplacements on Spicheren Heights, France, the advance of Staff Sergeant Beddoe’s company was halted by heavy fire from five hostile pillboxes. He immediately left cover and led his squad with such aggressiveness and courage that they cleared all five pillboxes and captured 30 prisoners. His outstanding and heroic leadership enabled the entire company to continue the attack.